Mesotherapy, also called Lipodissolve is a highly advertised procedure that involves injecting microscopic quantities of natural extracts, homeopathic agents, pharmaceuticals and vitamins into the skin to dissolve fat. Proponents of Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve claim that these procedures can be used to eliminate cellulite, promote weight loss, treat aging skin and redundant (sagging) skin, and rejuvenate the hands and neck. Mesotherapy and lipodissolve are often promoted as an alternative to liposuction and laser liposuction for body contouring.
Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve injections are purported to target adipose fat cells, apparently by inducing rupture and cell death among adipocytes (fat cells). Patients are often led to believe that Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve is a fat melting procedure and can avoid the need for liposuction and body contouring surgery. Since many of our patients ask us about this technology and have many questions, we thought it was important to address the topic with some facts and research.
A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, states that Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve, in fact, is not effective.
(See: Effectiveness of Mesotherapy on Body Contouring. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 121(4):179e-185e, April 2008.Park, Seung Ha M.D., Ph.D.; Kim, Deok Woo M.D.; Lee, Min Ah M.D.; Yoo, Sang Chul M.D.; Rhee, Seung Chul M.D.; Koo, Sang Hwan M.D., Ph.D.; Seol, Geun Hye R.N.; Cho, Eun Young A.N)
Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve is traditionally performed in the US in Cosmetic spas and rarely by a physician despite the fact that fairly significant medications are injected into the skin during the procedure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not approved the subcutaneous (below the skin) injection of medications commonly used in Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve.
There are multiple cocktails of medications used in Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve including: phosphatidylcholine, isopterenol, aminophylline, caffeine, L-carnitine, buflomedil, calcitonin, and others. The published scientific study was a randomized, prospective, clinical trial carried out on 20 women. A solution of aminophylline, lidocaine and buflomedil was used in the patient’s thigh area.
The results showed no statistical evidence of loss of fat or improved body contour in the thigh area of these women. In fact, some women had larger thighs after the study.
Despite the many stories of significant fat melting by some cosmetic practitioners and spas as a result of Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve, the plastic surgery community does not feel this is an effective means of body contouring and is certainly no substitute for liposuction.
As with any planned surgical or non-surgical procedure, we recommend you consult with a trained plastic surgeon for advice and answers. We would be happy to discuss Mesotherapy, Lipodissolve, liposuction, Laser Liposuction, Smartlipo, Cool Lipo and other body contouring options with you in our office at anytime. Please contact us with any questions or to set up a consultation.
For more information on plastic surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation visit drseckel.com or call us at 978-369-4499.
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Dr. Brooke R. Seckel is a nationally and internationally recognized authority on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. He is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Chairman Emeritus of Plastic Surgery at Lahey Clinic.
Dr Seckel's offcie is at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Massachusetts 978-369-4499 and may be contacted at drseckel.com
Dr. Sean Doherty
Dr Brooke Seckel
978-369-4499
Concord, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts
Please do better research before writing articles on subjects you lack expertise.
Thank you,
Judi
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